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Religious and youth leaders urge dialogue to end demos 

Religious and youth leaders urge dialogue to end demos 
Archbishop Maria van Megen, the Pope’s representative in Kenya, during Education Day in the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a. Van Megen has urged the government to engage in dialogue with the nation’s youth, suggesting this approach could help end ongoing protests. PHOTO/Rebeccah Wanga

Archbishop Maria van Megan, the Pope’s representative in Kenya, has urged the government to engage in dialogue with the nation’s youth, suggesting the approach could help end ongoing protests. 

Speaking at an Education Day event for a school sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, Van Megan emphasised that in a growing democracy, both government and citizens must understand their rights and duties to create peaceful coexistence.

He described dialogue as the only path to restore peace, stability, and justice in the country. 

‘No right to violence’ 

“We need to settle down from the recent protests and violence which has been witnessed in various parts of the country, and this will work if the government listens to the youth and address their issues,” Van Megan said.

“Also, the youth should listen to the government because dialogue is two-way.” 

While acknowledging that demonstrating is a constitutional right, the archbishop cautioned young people to exercise this right responsibly and avoid creating chaos.  

“There is the right to protest, but there is no right to violence, looting and destruction of property,” he remarked, adding that violent behaviour only creates more problems for protesters and the broader community. 

Van Megan also called on the government to serve its people with justice by respecting their rights and dignity: “Peace is the work of justice, and the government should ensure it upholds it and respect the rights of its citizens.”

He indicated that the Church would play its role in facilitating reconciliation between the two sides to ensure stability. 

Kenya has been hit by protests for the past two years, with demonstrators voicing concerns over poor leadership, taxation, abductions, and killings of young people.

While initial demonstrations were largely peaceful with minimal damage or casualties, recent protests have turned violent. 

Dozens of lives have been lost, hundreds injured, and property worth millions of shillings destroyed, leaving the business community devastated by significant losses.  

As the government and opposition continue to trade accusations over the chaotic protests, calls are mounting for the government to embrace dialogue and address the grievances raised by youth and the general population. 

Youth leaders 

Meanwhile, a youth group in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County, on July 13, 2025, urged the government to engage Gen Z in dialogue to break the current standoff and reduce national tensions. 

Operating under the umbrella of Youth for Youth, the group stressed that mutual understanding between Gen Z and the government is essential for lasting peace.

Led by caucus chairman Calvin Arogo, the youth argued that dialogue would enable both parties to reach long-term solutions to prevailing issues. 

“We believe there can be a mutual understanding between the government and youth through dialogue. However, both parties must remain sober when such an opportunity is created,” Arogo said during a press briefing at Ombek Health Centre. 

Police excesses 

Arogo also criticised police for using excessive force against young demonstrators, calling on the government to take firm action against rogue officers who apply excessive force on protesters.  

He noted that many Gen Z protesters are educated graduates who critique the government based on specific wrongdoing, expressing hope that addressing issues like unemployment, insecurity, and poor governance would restore peace. 

The Youth for Youth group also appealed to the ODM party to provide youthful candidates with party tickets to contest the anticipated Kasipul parliamentary by-election.

The electoral agency IEBC, is expected to declare the seat vacant following the death of MP Ongondo Were. 

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